FBI Director Kash Patel Clashes with National Counterterrorism Chief Over Charlie Kirk Assassination Probe

Tensions have escalated within the Trump administration regarding the investigation into the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk. FBI Director Kash Patel has expressed serious concern over Joe Kent, head of the National Counterterrorism Center and adviser to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, for accessing sensitive FBI files without authorization while probing potential foreign involvement in the case. Kent's actions prompted a high-level White House meeting including Patel, Kent, Gabbard, Vice President JD Vance, and senior DOJ officials, but the discussions were reportedly tense and yielded little resolution. Patel and other FBI officials worry that Kent's unauthorized inquiry could jeopardize the ongoing criminal investigation and prosecution of the accused shooter, Tyler Robinson, who faces murder charges and a possible death penalty. Though Kent’s supporters maintain he was fulfilling his duty to explore all leads, including possible foreign ties, the friction reflects broader jurisdictional disputes between the FBI and intelligence community under the current administration. Despite these internal conflicts, the FBI, ODNI, and DOJ emphasize their commitment to a united front in investigating the killing thoroughly.